HUNTER SPEAKS UP FOR HIGH SPEED RAIL STOP IN STOCKPORT

6.11.08pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 5th Apr 2010

Mark is fighting for a High Speed Rail program that helps our area

Last Tuesday in Parliament, local MP and Liberal Democrat Transport Spokesman Mark Hunter spoke in a parliamentary debate on High Speed Rail, leading for the Liberal Democrats and demanding that any high speed rail scheme running through Stockport makes a stop there.

Speaking in Westminster Hall, Mark spoke of his enthusiasm for a High Speed Rail project, and talked about the contribution that such a project would make to local residents, the local economy and to the environment.

Despite his overall backing, however, Mr Hunter has again raised concerns that a stop at Stockport could be vulnerable as train companies seek to reduce journey times.

Commenting, Mark said:

"I believe that it is absolutely vital that High Speed Rail goes ahead and that we see its development soon - that is why the Lib Dems were the first to come out and back it and spell out how we would fund it.

"It simply would not be acceptable however if a project was funded in which we were to lose our local stop. The current services running from London into Stockport are great for local residents and the local economy - it is vital we keep it this way.

"Having established a good local track record of speaking out on key local transport issues, I do not intend to stand by and let train operators remove our local stop. I am determined that any High Speed proposals will continue to stop at Stockport."